We all need a little art in our lives. Although we may scoff at modern artists and their outlandish and sometimes bizzar work, some modern art installations are quite frankly mesmerizing. If they seem beautiful purely from a photographic perspective, then imagine the impact they would have on you if they were litterally right before you. That is what art is designed to do, to create an emotion in its beholder. Here are some of the most beautiful works of art.

Raindrop Installation by Stacee Kalmanovsky

Sequin Street art by Theresa Himmer in Iceland.

Cutout installation by Su Blackwell.

2012 seems to be a year for change and a breakthrough for colour, with everyone embracing bright colours for hair, clothes and make-up. So what unique trends can you experiment with in this coming year? Here's some ideas.

Why not try using a pastel shade on the contour of your cheekbones? A sweep of lilac can add a dramatic effect and if it is well blended won't make you look over-dramatic. Find a shade that compliements your skin tone. A pop of neon pink will work well on warmer skin, and you can even try using black on darker skin, plain pink-red-nude tones are out!

The black lip. Once upon a time it segregated you to gothic culture, but now it's a firm fashion favourite. You can gat black lipstick from Barry M or Limecrime, and you can jazz it up with glitter for a galaxy effect if you're brave enough.

The pastel lip is extremely on trend. It's esy to carry off if you keep your lips in top condition and don't overdo any other make-up. A simple flick of eyeliner is all you need. There's a colour for every skin tone, eye colour and hair colour combination going, you just have to experiment! Again the only good place to get these lipsticks is Limecrime and Barry M.

The art of illustration is a great hobby to get into, it's art but without the specifics- there are no rules or requirements and you can use your imagination to create whatever you like. To get you inspired, we've collated some of our favourite illustrations from around the web to help you get started. Think about line and colour, and take into consideration the small things, like if you will use inks, paints or pens, or whether you will use walercolour paper, card or cartridge paper. All of these factors can make a difference in illustration, so get experimenting!

Who would have thought that the city of culture, art, and beautiful grand palaces actually could have been founded by refugees from surrounding roman cities, upon a lagoon? Looking at Venice today, the average traveller would never suspect it, especially when faced with such a stunning and imposingly beautiful city. It's also tediously balanced upon wooden foundations; however don't worry, the mineral rich water has petrified the wood to a stone-like strength!

When staying in the city there are many things to do, Venice was once en route for the Grand Tour; a cultural and artistic journey enjoyed by the elite for many years. Venice contains many art museums such as the San Rocco, St. Mary of the Friars which contains many pieces of renaissance art, and the Scuola Grande Di San Rocco.

However Venice is not just a place for art, why not take a tour of St. Mark's Square, surrounded by some of the most magnificent buildings you will have ever seen, if it's sunny, sit back and relax at one of the glamourous cafes around the perimiter, but be careful if it is in flood season! Then take a leisurely ride on a taxi-boat or a gondola back down the Grand Canal to your Palazzo Hotel.

Of course the Carnival is the highlight for many. It starts 40 days before easter and ends on shrove tuesday. It was origionally designed with the intention of masks hiding any social class, so people could spend a portion of the year in disguise!

After setting up Christmas decorations and getting a thourough coating of glitter on myself from head to toe, I was reminded of how little appriciated it is. There are a huge range of craft projects you can do with a pack of glitter, and it's not just for children. Add a dose of magic to shoes, handbags, nails or make-up quickly, and create the perfect party look for the Chiristmas season. You can find a tutorial for creating glittered items that can't be destroyed by weather or washing at My World - Made By Hand. Learn the technique and you could soon be stepping out in some gold glitter party shoes, or adorning your bridesmaid dresses in a layer of sparkling goodness. Careful that you don't go overboard, as when you've realised how easy and fun this technique is you'll be addicted to glittering everything in your path.

When winter comes it's time to start thinking about some thoughtful presents for your nearest and dearest; so what are the best presents to buy to show how much you appriciate your best friends? The key is to make the present look well thought out, ensure your friend will find it useful, and don't buy to your own tastes! Not everyone might appriciate the shade of yellow that you adore, and while you might find something useful, your friend might find it a bit ridiculous. Of course there are some fail safe presents that are very rarely unappriciated;

1. Bags

A simple clutch bag in neutral colours can work for everyone, nomatter what their style is. You can find this one at Hazel and Hunter.

2. Nail Art

For any female conncted to the internet it's apparent extreme nail art is the future of fashion. Get her these couture pieces from Hime Nails.

3. Hair Accessories

For the girl that love trying out all the new styles, these cameo bobby pins are sure to go down a treat. You can get them at Nest Pretty Things.

4. Sushi Soap

Luckily, these adorable soaps aren't sented of fish! However it is authentically dashed with hints of wasabi, mint and ginger. You can get yourself one at Aubery E Apothecary.

5. Jewellery

You can rarely go wrong with a delicate and beautiful pendent, like this one from Lake Shore Creations 4 U.

Sometimes it just doesn't get you in the christmas spirit when you buy advent calanders anymore; what exactly is xmassy about miniscule pieces of chocolate in a cardboard box decorated with a cartoon character? Well if you feel scrooge-y towards supermarket advant calanders, why not try making your own everlasting calander that you can fill with amazing and appriciated gits. Making an advent calander is a great way of getting the kids involved in christmas, and you can make something beautiful that fits in with your decorations theme, should it be modern and glittery, or traditional and homely. And advent calanders don't just have to be for the kids! The beauty of being able to chose your own gifts means you an pick more adult friendly treats such as liquers, jewellery or anything you might want!